When to Visit Dublin

If you are planning a trip to the Irish capital city, you may want to consider what the best time of year would be to make your visit. You should factor in what the weather will be like as well as what kind of events will be going on at certain times of year. We’ll run down the pros and cons of visiting in certain seasons.

Spring
For those who want to get in on the festivals and parties that Dublin is often known for, then this is the best time of year to come visit. The St. Patrick’s Day events (around March 17th ) are the real draw for a lot of people, and there will be nonstop parties and activities to enjoy. For some, the crowds of tourists and party goers can be a big turnoff. If you are travelling with family, for instance, especially little ones, then you may want to plan around the big events and try to go during a quieter time.

If you are doing outside activities, such as visiting the zoo, touring the streets or taking strolls in the park, then you want to avoid rainy season, which is most of springtime.

Summer
The weather is warmer and it is likely to be less rainy than many other times of year, but you still need to be prepared for the occasional downpour with a summer visit. You also need to be aware that this is prime tourism season for most of the world, so even though there may not be any notable festivals occurring in Dublin at the time or any major events to go too, there are likely to be a lot of people on the streets and booking the same hotels that you are interested in. If you are with a large group, then this may not be the ideal time to go, unless you book well in advance.

Autumn
Autumn weather in Dublin tends to get quite windy and chilly, but if you take a light coat, you should be okay. You can enjoy the fading colours of the fall and the quieter city during this time, as there are fewer festivals and fewer tourists during this period.

This is the best time for hotel deals, as prices tend to be the lowest during a relatively slow tourism season. There are a few minor festivals around this time, so it’s not like there is nothing to do, but most of the bigger events are at other times of year.

Winter
Of course, you’ll need to be prepared for the bracing cold, but Dublin under snow can look quite lovely. You also need to be aware of higher hotel prices, as a lot of people will be vacationing and visiting family during the holiday season. You may have trouble getting the exact travel dates you want at a decent rate during this time of year.

When it is not snowing in winter months, then it is likely raining, and this is when Dublin is at its rainiest. There is a New Year’s festival that takes place in January. It lasts for three days and involves a lot of music and other types of entertainment.